Cost – 22.50 Euros (December 2023) per person.
Parking and Access – There is a large public car park right next to the Hotel’s entrance.
There are several steep steps to access the building. I did not notice an alternative way in that avoided the steps, and I have not been able to find that information on the hotel’s website.
The toilets were also accessible via a flight of stairs. However, there was an accessible toilet that avoided the use of the stairs.
Background –We were visiting Rotterdam during a cruise to visit Christmas markets. We were joined on the cruise by a couple of friends, who also enjoy Afternoon Tea. As I knew there were several Afternoon Tea options in Rotterdam, we decided we would all go together to try one out.
We knew the ship would be docking at Wilhelmina Pier. On the end of this pier is an old building that survived the war, that was built as the headquarters of the Holland America Line. Another cruise line with a long heritage. The building is now a hotel.
A quick internet check confirmed that they do sell Afternoon Tea which would be available on the day we would be in the port. We managed to navigate the Dutch booking form, and booked the four of us in for Afternoon Tea.
We had spotted the building when we had been to Rotterdam on previous cruises, so we knew it was very nearby, and had retained its historical appearance. When we were there, we also discovered some small displays, and many diagrams and pictures referring the buildings past with the Holland America Line
Contents per person – One triangular club sandwich (egg mayonnaise), a savoury cheese muffin with a creamy top, a parma ham crostini with pesto, and a wrap containing a curry type mix. A small plain, cinnamon topped, scone, a small amount of strawberry jam and a small amount of a sweet, yellow cream. A small piece of cherry cake, a mini mango cheesecake, a large chocolate biscuit, a coconut macaroon, a tiny piece of peanut millionaires slice, a chocolate and fruit disc, a filled chocolate, and a piece of chocolate. A pot of tea or coffee from a list of different types.
Options Available – There are no options available for this Tea.
Comments – The table was laid for four people. Each setting had a large white, hotel branded plate, a brightly coloured cup and saucer, and a teaspoon.
There was also a paper napkin each in a paper wallet, along with a knife and fork.
The table was scattered with boiled sweets.
We were all asked for our drinks choice. I chose English Breakfast tea, and asked for a glass of diet cola as well.
The tea arrived in individual round white teapots, with the hotel’s name on them. There was a teabag in its packet sticking out of the lid. There was no milk provided. We were offered a refill later.
The tea was a good strength, as the strength was determined by the drinker. It was nice and hot. The only problem for us, was that it was black!
The Afternoon Tea itself was served on two three-tier cake stand with round white, hotel branded, plates.
The savoury was a really interesting mix.
Unfortunately, we missed what was in the wrap, but it was enjoyed by two of us, and hated by the other two!!
The savoury scone was particularly enjoyable, and was liked by all. Everything was fresh and tasty. Apart from the divisive wrap, we all enjoyed the variety of the savouries we had.
The scones were a small size and were a bit wonky!! They had not been warmed up.
They were accompanied by a small amount of runny jam and a small amount of an odd cream. The cream was quite sweet, and a bright yellow colour!
There was enough of both the jam and the strange cream, as the scones were small. The scones were tasty and fresh, and appeared to be topped with a little cinnamon – delicious!
There was a huge variety of sweet items. More than we have ever had in an Afternoon Tea before! They were all really good, and very tasty. There was nothing we didn’t like, and plenty that we did!
It was nice to have some chocolate in there, in the shape of the hotel!!
Service was ok, we were visited and asked if we needed more tea. However, the restaurant was busy, and it was sometimes difficult to find the right person. The restaurant was nicely decorated for Christmas.
| Savoury | 2.0 |
| Scone | 1.5 |
| Jam | 1.5 |
| Cream | 1.0 |
| Cake (variety) | 2.0 |
| Cake (quality) | 2.0 |
| Tea | 1.5 |
| Presentation | 2.0 |
| Service | 1.5 |
| Value | 2.0 |
| Total | 17.0 |
All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The photographs are all my own.
I remain completely anonymous and always pay for my Afternoon Teas. They are never gifted to me by the businesses reviewed.
I am the legal copyright holder of the content and images on this blog.
Sarnies Scones and Cakes 